Strategic Plan

Since 1966, Glessner House has been leading the effort to preserve and celebrate the legacies of architect Henry Hobson Richardson, the Glessner family, and Prairie Avenue, while also helping to launch and encourage the historic preservation movement city-wide. Over the last half-century, the House has successfully restored H. H. Richardson’s residential masterpiece; preserved the Glessner family’s fine collection of Arts & Crafts era furnishings; celebrated the illustrious history of late 19th and early 20th century Chicago; and introduced tens of thousands of visitors from Chicago, the United States, and around the world to the rich history embodied in the House and its collections.

As the House entered its second half-century, the Board of Directors and staff recognized the need to create a visionary plan for the future in order to secure Glessner House for generations to come. To achieve that goal, the Board created a Strategic Planning Task Force in November 2016 with the purpose of mapping out and instituting a plan for growth and financial sustainability by 2021.

The Task Force examined all aspects of the House’s operations, programs, and visitor services. Through interviews, research, and analysis, the group identified five goals that together provide a framework for progress. Each goal is further defined by objectives and strategies that set a direction and offer guidance for attaining the goal.

Glessner House is deeply grateful to its Board of Directors for providing the strong leadership that enabled the Task Force to create the strategic plan; to its many volunteers who provide countless hours in support of the Museum; to the generous donors who have supported us for more than 50 years; and to Alphawood Foundation, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, and the TAWANI Foundation for joining together in support of the House as it renews itself for the 21st century.